Account-cabinet.



H. B. WHITE.- ACCOUNT CABINET` APPLIUATION FILED JULY1o,19o7.

Patented July 16, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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@Hannut H. B. WHITE.

ACCOUNT CABINET.

APPLIoATIoN FILED JULY 10,1907.

Patented July 16, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H. B. WHITE. ACCOUNT CABINET. APPLICATION FILED JULY 10,1907.

1,032,457.' Patented July 16, 1912.

.4 SHEETS-SHEET 3 Glicine H. B. WHITE.

ACCOUNT CABINET.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY 10,1907.

Patented July 16, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

HARPE B. WHITE, F CANTON, OHIO.

ACCOUNT-CABINET.

inseam.

One object of' my invention is to provide such a register ory iile of simple, compact construction and which is rapid in operation.

Another object is to rovide a construction in whicheach individual cabinet or file may be considered a unit or section, and any number of these units or' sections may be readily connected together in simple manner, so as to present 1n appearance a tile or cabinet of' neat and. uniform construction. This4 last' described feature is of importance to'amerchant, as it enables him to add one section after another to his tile, as his business ]'ustifies or demands. f Y

Other objects of my invention'wll be understood from the description and disclosure of a cabinet embodying it which I have herein chosen for the purpose of illustration.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a cabinet embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2--2, Fig. 1. Fig is a perspective view of the cabinet-casing or housing. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a trimming or faciig strip -to ber-interposed between two units or sections of a cabinet embodying more than one unit or section. Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse section illus- .trating the joint between two units or sections. Fig. 6 is a section on the` line 6-6, Fig; 2. Fig. 7 is-ja section on the line '1 -7,

. e Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is4 a perspective view of' a series of trays removed `from the cabinet caslng. Fig. 9 is a perspective viewy of one of the trays, detached. Fig; 10` is a sectional detail view illustratin the method of attaching the trays to the exible hangers.

, Fi 11 is a perspective view of one sidel wal of the cabinet' detached. Fig. 12 is a perspective view ustratinga cabinet or file com osed'l of" several units or sections. v Fig. 13 isa perspective view' of one of the y Specification. of 'Letterslatent; Application led July 10, 1907. Serial No. 383,082.

This invention relates to an account cabi.`

tPatented July? 16, i912.

side frame members, detached. Fig. 14 is a perspective viewfofl a modied form of tray.

In` the drawings,-1 indicates as an entirety a suitable casing or housing. 2 is a base or platform therefor. It is referably made from a plate or sheet o metal having' its edges turned down, as indicated at 2', se as to form a horizontally disposed platform or top 2 for the base.. Each unit or section pre erablyconsists of two traycompartments arranged side by side within the casin or housing, although sections or units -wi but a single tray compartment may be constructed, if desired. '70

3 represents as an entirety a framework for the housing and is carried by the base 2. Of this framework, 4, 4, represent side members or uprights, each of whichispreferably made from a strip or bar of metal bent to contorm to the general contour of the cas# ing. Each has an inclined front part 4', and is curved across its top as indicated at 4, andthen carried vertically downward as at 4". The lower ends ofk these side members are suitably secured to the top plate 2a of the base 2.

5 is a cross bar or connecting member suitably secured at either end to the adjacent end members 4, 4, near the rear ends of the tcp bars 4* 4*., thereof.

6 is amember for dividing the casing into twn compartments. This member 6 is arranged midway between the sidev frame members 4, 4, and isrpreferably formed of a bar or strip of metal havin an inclined front leg 6' arranged paralle to the front inclined legsy 4', 4', of the side frame members 4, 4, and a curved top 6a arranged parallel 'to and conforming in shape with the curved top bars 4, 4 of the said side frame members 4, 4. The rear end of the top art 6 of this central member 6 is secure asindicated at 6" to the cross bar 5.

7 is a facing strip extending along the in' clined' front portion 6 of the member 6, so as to give a neat appearance to the front 'of the ca inet by concealing behind it the edges of the trays at the center ofthe cabinet. The lower `end`of the division bar 6 is snit ably secured to the platform 2", as indicated' at 8.

9 is an inclined back or rest for the tray compartments. Preferably it is formed ion from a sheet of metal ribbed as indicated atppll suitably secured to the cross bar 5.

10 indicates as an entirety, a series of superposed trays. Each cabinet or file is provided with as many tray series as it has tray compartments. The trays of each series are Y preferably supported from a pair of flexible hangers 11, 11, arranged at either side of the tray series. These hangers are preferably made of strips of fabric suited for the purpose.

12 is a bottom plate for the tray series suitably connected at either side with the lower end of the adjacent flexible hanger 11.

13 is a top or supporting plate for the tray series, suitably connected at either side to the adjacent upper end of one of the l'iexibl hangers 11. For this purpose I have shown a rod 14 connected at one end to the top plate 13j as indicatedat 14. This rod extends along the under side of the top plate 13 from front to rear, a loop being formed in the adjacent end of the liexible hanger through which the said rod is passed. T-he rear end of the said rod is bent upwardly through a hole 13 in the' top plate and then again bent' rearwardly as indicated at 14a to secure it in position.

15 is a handleV suitably connected to the top plate 13.

16 are rests for the rear ends of the top plates 13. Each of these rests is arranged againsty the inclined back 9 in either tray jcompartment, and may be suitably secured tothe cross bar 5.

17 are rests or supports for the front ends of the top plates 13. Each of these rests 17 vis suitably secured to one of the inclined standards 1Q-4.', 6, :it the front of the casing or housing.

18 indicates a tray of which any desired number maybe employed in superposed relation to form a tray series. Each tray 18 is preferably lformed 'of a sheet of' metal and has a bottom 18', an upward, rearwardly inclined back, wall 18a, a front wall 18", having al downward forward extending flange or plate 18e' with an upturned edge 18d at its lower end. On the sides', the metal forming the tray, may be bent u wardly, as indicated at 18. At either si e near the center of the tray, the metal bottom of the tray is scored and the scored portion 18t is turned downwardly, as 'indicated' at 18g, and` then outwardl as shown at 18h.

' 19 are exi le supports, each secured at its upper end to the adjacent hanger 11 in any suitable manner, and having its lower end gripped or held between the bottom wall 18 of a tray and support-gripping part 18t struck from the said bottom wall of the tray. Preferably the hangers 19 vare m-ad'e 'fof fabric of suitable weight and strength.

The trays 18 are preferably arranged slightly inclined in series, with the inverted V-shaped front end portions of each tray arranged to nest in the like art of the tray above it, so as to permit the independent movement of the front end of each tray relative to the trays above and below it in the series. This construction permits the collapsing of a tray series into a relatively small space, which is advantageous for the purpose of storing it. in a safe or vault, where economy of space occupied by a tray series is essential.

I have found it advantageous to turn the side edges of the metal forming the trays upwardly, as indica-ted at 18e, not only for the purpose of affording substantial side walls `for the trays but also to prevent the edges scored each of these walls, as indicated at 20, and then bent upwardly the portions of metal outside ofeach of said scored lines,-

as indicated at 20. 21 indicates a suitable index card, which at eitheir end may beinserted beneath the adjacent raised part 20 of the wall 18.

The introduction into and withdrawal of each tray section from its compartment will be readily understood. The flexibility of each tray section as an entirety permits the bending and twisting of the section,'so as to permit its easy introduction into or withdrawal from its respective compartment. When in the compartment, in order to posi- `tion the top plate of the sectionV 13 in place,

it it forced rearwardly over the rearsupport orrest 16 until its front edge clears the front rests or legs 17, 17 at either side thereof, when its front edge is elevated above said front supports and then moved slightly forward and rested upon them. To remove the top plate it is pressed rearwardly until its front edge clears the said front supports 17, 17, when'it is permitted to drop downwardly at its front edge, and may then be removed with the tray series beneath it from the cabinet. l Y

Where a iexibly connected tray series, such as described, is used, I have found it advantageous to employ a bottom plate 12 at the lower end of the series for the lowermost tray to rest upon, as` it preserves the avlinem'entof the tray series and facilitates'` side noemer i l a collapsible tray series, and where such is e the case, thetrays of the series in the cabinet compartments may be tiltably supported in superposed relation to each other, in any suitable and well known manner, for example, as illustrated in the patent to Troutman No. 781,698, dated February 7th, 1905.

22,22, indi-cate side walls for the casing.

Each of these side walls is preferably formed of a sheet of metal having its front edge inclined and bent to form a groove at bent to form a groove 22a. The groove 22" is shaped to receive an inclined front standard 4 members 4, of the frame, and the groove 22a is adapted to recive one of the rear vertical standards 4" of a side member of the frame.

These sideplates 22 are placed in position g by slipping eachI one down over its respective side frame member 4, and. muy be withdrawn by being pushed upwardly away from said frame member.

For the purpose of making a neat, compact cabinet and insuring the proper positioning of the lower ends of the removable plates 22, I have secured along the sides of the top plate 2*L for each section or unit, a suitably grooved element 23, preferably formed of a strip of metal 24 bent at right angles to' itself, as indicated at 24, then back upon itself, as indicated at 24a, then around to form a groove 24". This groove 24b is adapted to receive the lower end of the adjacent detachable side wall 22 and: to

properly position it and conceal it from view.

In order to present a comely appearance to the rear of the cabinet, which it is intended to expose to the customer, and at the same time to economically employ all of the space taken up by the cabinet, I have arranged to use the .space in the rear of the inclined back 9 for the purpose of displaying articles 'f merchandise or `for similar purposes. 25 indicates as an entirety a suitable window framework secured in position between the rear standards 4b, 4b, of the side frame members 4, 4. The said window frame rests at its lower end upon the top plate 2 of the base, and at its upper end against the upper end of the inclined back 9, yI prefer. vto use in the said window` frame two vertically rising and falling win'- dow sashes 26, 26', the latter, which is the upper one, resting upon a stop-27 positioned at the upper en of one of the side L1 two units or sections, g be exposed. The contour of this facing' `strip may bemaintained by suitable cross of the lower window 26.

rights require .back for the index card holder.

r carrier.

; understood that access to the interior of this display compartment is obtained by raising vertically upward either one o r both of the sliding windows, 26, 26.

Each unit or section of my accunt cabi# net or file 1s adapted for ready attachment to or detachment from another similar u nit.

In order toladd a unit to a cabinet, the detachable side wall 22 at one side of the I, cabinet is removed, and a facing element 31 is inserted between the side fralne member 4 ofthe cabinet thus exposed and the side frame member 4 of the unit to' be added, which is adjacent to it. This facing ele- ;ment consists preferably of a `metal facing ;stri-p 32 bent to conform to the contour of the cabinet and inclosing and coverin the adjacent side frame members 4,- 4, o the which would otherwise bars v33, connecting the front and rear upof the said facing strip. The units er sections may be secured to `each other in any suitable manner. For this purpose vI have shown bolts 34, a suitable number of which are extended through registering l holes in the adjacent side frame members 4, 4 bblts, used to bind the sai side frame memofthe two units, 35 bein nuts for thesaid bers of the units or sections together. In

Ethe manner gust described, any desired 4number of units or sections may be connected together to present the comely appearance of a substantially integral structure. Whenever an additional unit or section is added to a cabinet, one. additional facing element 31 is required to cover the connection between the sidel frame member of said added unit and the side frame member of the cabinet to which it is attached;- but onl two detachable side walls 22 `are irrespective of the number of units or sections used.

In Fig. 14 I have. hewn a slight modification in the construction of the index card holder at the front of each individual tray.

The inclined wall 18c of the tray is as indicated at 20, both vertically and horizontally, so as toform a tongue 20h, which is depressed below the outer surface of said wall 18". The tongue serves as a resilient The card scored,

21 is inserted between the resilient back or tongue and the front part of the wall 18c at either end in front of it.'- The wall 18c may be ribbed at either end as lindicated at .20c` for the purpose of strengthening the card The stiffening rib# 9 for the'v backwall may extend either forward or rearward therefrom, and maybe formed either from the sheet of metal from which the said back is made, or of a separate piece of material riveted thereon, or attached thereto in any suitable manner. Y

While I prefer to use vertically rising and falling window sashes, as shown, if desired horizontally sliding or swingingi doors, or vany suitable well lmown means may be employed `for closing the display compartment,

, suitable base, side frame members supported upon said-base at either side thereof, and a back arranged upon said base between said side frame members and suitably connected at its upper end to said side frame members, a series of superposed trays arranged in front of said back and betweensaid side frame members, and having their front ends exposed at the front of said section, means connect-ing adjacent side frame, members of adjoining sections together, and two side walls for the cabinet, arranged one at either side thereof, one of said j side walls being det-achably connected to the outermost side frametmember at one side of the cabinet.

2. In an account cabinet, theVY combination of aplurality of similarly shaped and formed sections arranged side by side inV a `horizontal series, each section comprising a suitable base, side frame members supported uponsaid base at either side thereof, a back arranged upon saidbase between said side frame members, and meansfor supporting the back between said side frame members, a

series of superposed trays arranged in front of said backand between said side frame members, and having their front ends eX-I posed at the "front of said section, means detachably connecting adjacent side frame members of adjoining sections together, and two side walls for the cabinet, arranged one at either side thereof, one 4of said side walls being detachably connected tothe outermost side frame member at one side of the cabinet. e

-3. In an account cabinet, the combination of a lurality of similarl shaped and formedp horizontal series, each section comprising a suitable base, side frame members supported upon said base at either side thereof, a back arranged upon said base between said sidey frame members, and means for supporting the back between said side frame members,

Y a series of superposed trays'arranged in fea front of said ack and between said side frame members, and having their front ends exposed at the front of said section, means connecting adjacent side frame members of sections arranged si e by ,side in aA adjoining sections together, and facing strips to conceal from view adjacent edges of s1de frame members of adjoining sections.

4. An account cabinet comprising a suitable base, side frame members supported upon said base ateither side thereof, a back arranged upon said base between said side frame members, and means for supporting the back between said side frame members, detachable side walls, each slidably connected with one of said side frame members to permit its attachment thereto or detachment therefrom, the said side walls and back forming a tray compartment, and a series of superposed trays arranged in said tray compartment.

5. In an account cabinet, the combination of a suitable base, side frame members secured to said base, each of said members comprising a bar of metal bent to conform to the shape of the cabinet, .a back supported in position by said side frame members, detachable side walls having slidable connection with said side frame members, and a series of superposed trays suitably side walls and back.

6. An account cabinet comprising a suitable base, side frame members supported at either side of said base and each formed of a bar of metal bent to conform to the desired shape of the cabinet, an inclined back supported upon said base between said side frame members and suitably connected with.

said side frame members, sheet metal side walls, each connected with one of said side frame members and forming with said inclined back a tray compartment, and a series of superposed trays arranged in said tray compartment.

7. An account cabinet comprising asuitable base, side frame members supported at either side of said base and each formed of a bar of metal bent to conform to the desired shape of the cabinet, an inclined back supported upon said base between said side frame members and suitably connected at its upper end with said side frame members, sheet metal side walls, each detachably connected with one of said side frame members land forming with said inclined back a tray compartment, andl a series of superposed trays arranged in said tray compartment.

8. An account cabinet comprising a suitable base, side frame members supported at eitherv side of said base and each formed of a bar' of metal bent to conform .to the desired shape of the cabinet, an inclined back supportedupon said basebetween said side frame members and suitably connected with said side frame members, sheet metal side walls, each having grooves Ato receive one of said side frame members, and forming with said inclined back a tray compartment, and

lao

g a series of sliperposed trays arranged in said tray compartment.

9. An acount cabinet comprising a suitable base, a sheet metal back supported upon said base and having a forwardly extendin longitudinally and centrally disposed ri formed from the sheet of metal of which tlie ,M tray having a bottom wall with portions scored and bent thereunder, and supports for the tray, each attached thereto between the bottom wall and one of said turned-under portions of the bottom wall.

11. An'account cabinet having a suitable tray compartment with a back wall and standards at either side of the front of said compartment, a pair of flexible hangers, a top plate from which said flexible hangers -are suspended, a series of superposed trays arranged between and` each suitably connected at either side to the adjacent one of' said flexible hangers, a rest for the rear end of said top plate carried by the said back (-35. wall of the cabinet, and supporting lugs for the front end of said top plate, each carried by one of said front standards.

12. An account cabinet `comprising a suitable base, a sheet metal back supported upon said base and having a longitudinally disposed sheet metal bracing rib arranged between its side edges, frame members supported upon said base at either side of said back and suitably connected to said back to hold the latter in position, and a series of superposed trays arranged to rest against said inclined back.

13. In an account cabinet, a sheet metal tray having suitable bottom and front walls and a flange extending forwardlyY and downwardly from said front Wall, the metal of said iiange being scored and the scored portion being bent rearwardly and then upwardly 4to form a resilient back to support an index card.

14. An account cabinet comprising a suitable base, side frame members supported at either side of said base and each formed of a bar of metal bent to conform to the desired shape of the cabinet, a back supported on said base, sheet metal side walls each connected with one of said side frame members and forming with said back a tray com# partment, and a series of superposed trays arranged in said tray compartment.

15. In an account cabinet the combination of a base having integral depending side anges adapted/for connection to similar fianges of an adjoining base, side walls, a back mounted on the base, and means for supporting the side walls including angle plates arranged along the opposite side edges of the base and each bent upon itself to form a longitudinally extending groove or recess to removably receive the lower edge f one of said side walls.

In testimony whereofI affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

HARRY B. WHITE.

Witnesses l' AUs'rIN LYNCH, CHARLES M. STELLING. 

